We will cover everything you need to know about the origin of kabaddi. You can learn about its inception, recent history, and current status. Its rulesets and current tournaments will also be examined for a complete picture.
Kabaddi Rules
Before jumping into the Kabaddi origin, we will examine the rules. The current ruleset, used in professional kabaddi matches and known as Standard Style, was made in 1921 and amended in 1923 by a committee. This was an important moment in the history of the game kabaddi as it codified a ruleset for professional play.
Players are split into two teams of seven players with five substitutes. One player enters the opponent’s side of the field and attempts to touch his opponent to earn points. Additionally, he must do this in a single breath while chanting “Kabaddi” as proof. Below, you can find some additional important points:
- ✋ Players can touch opponents with their hands or feet
- 🎁 A player can earn a point by crossing the bonus line with one foot while the other is in the air
- 🛡️ If the defence can stop a player from returning to his side, they earn a point
- ⚔️ A player is eliminated if they’re touched, and the team earns two points for eliminating all their opponents
- ❤️ Players can be revived if their team scores a point
- ❌ Players can also be eliminated by being pushed outside the field’s boundary or if they step outside of bounds
While it was once played on muddy fields, the current game is played on a mat separated by several lines. The midline divides the two teams, who guard the baulk and bonus lines. Players must pass the baulk line to return, but passing the bonus line earns them a point.
Players have 30 seconds to score points and can return without any if they pass the baulk line. Even touching the other side with your fingers counts as a return, so players can save themselves if caught. The goal is to earn more points than your opponent, and draws are decided with smaller matches or a coin toss.
The average game lasts only 40 minutes, and there is no special equipment, making the game accessible to everyone. The fast pace and exciting situations make this a popular sport among the best Indian sports betting sites. A player’s skills decide everything, and there’s always the chance to turn things around.
Variants of Kabaddi
Aside from the standard rules, which combine Gaminee and Sanjeevani, there are many other variants in the history of the Kabaddi game. In Bangladesh, the game is known as Hadodo; in Thailand, it is known as Theechub. Throughout the history of the game kabaddi, India has developed numerous variants, with the following being some of the most unique ones:
| Amar | Gaminee |
| 40-minute matches | No time limit |
| Players remain in the match when caught | When touched, a player cannot return until his team is out |
| Points scored for touching players | Point scored when opponent team is eliminated |
| No limit on points | 5-7 point match |
The Sanjeevani style is the most common globally and resembles the standard style. Meanwhile, the circle style features more players, a circular arena and completely different rulesets. Circle style also has specific tournaments.
As the rules of Kabaddi change depending on the style, each game feels unique and diverse, similar to the gambling titles at the best Indian online casinos. There are also women’s divisions of standard kabaddi, and many children play it at school, which is why this game is so popular.
Origin of Kabaddi
The origin of kabaddi is still somewhat debatable. That includes kabaddi’s country of origin. While most agree that the game appeared around 5000-4000 years ago, it is unclear how it began. Some speculate it originated in India, as it is referenced in their epics, and that it was made by the Aayars or Yadar in Tamil Nadu during the Vedic age.
Interesting fact:
According to Buddhist texts, it is believed that the Buddha himself played kabaddi for fun. That lines up with the fact that kabaddi requires excellent lung capacity, and breathing is integral to yoga. Tibetan monks are also known to play this game.
Others claim that the game originated in Iran in the town of Sistan. As such, it is unclear where and how the history of the game kabaddi began. However, India’s role in popularising the sport is undeniable as it develops just as fast as the eSports scene in India.
However, kabaddi was certainly part of another event. Jallikatu is an event where people try to grab a bull by the horns and ride it, and kabaddi was played as a warm-up before the event. Some even believe Jallikatu inspired the rules of kabaddi, as one player charges into a group of people.
Kabaddi – History of the Game
As mentioned earlier, when discussing the history and origin of kabaddi, its rules were created in 1921 and amended in 1923. During that same year, India held the All India Kabaddi Tournament, leading to the creation of the All India Kabaddi Federation in 1950. Its goal was to promote the game, which began with another official tournament in 1952.
The federation would change its name to the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India and partner with the India Olympic Association to create national competitions. Junior leagues were established, the game became more popular in Asia, and several women’s tournaments were founded.
During the 15th Asian Games in Doha, 2006, the Kabaddi teams would finally have separate quality training stadiums. That would also be the first time people from the US, Australia, and European countries were exposed to the game. It would be a huge turning point in kabaddi’s history of the game, as it quickly gained traction globally.
As new techniques were being developed and the rules gradually refined, the sport continued to prosper, similar to the Indian horse racing industry. It can now be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or skill.
Types of Kabaddi Tournaments
Throughout the history of kabaddi, the game has appeared in various tournaments. It was most common at the Asian Games, an event similar to the Olympics for Asian countries, and having its dedicated championships. Below, you can find some of the most popular kabaddi events throughout history:
- National Games of India
- Asian Games
- All India Kabaddi Tournament
- World Cup of Kabaddi
- Asian Women Championship
- Pro Kabaddi League
- National Kabaddi Championship
- Federation Cup
While many professional events are still predominantly in India, the sport has also been gaining traction in other countries. The 15th Asian Games were also crucial for the history of the Kabaddi game as players now had dedicated training rooms and better equipment. Soon, women’s championships and junior cups would also appear.
Since 2014, Mashal Sports Pvt. Ltd., Disney Star and the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India have worked together to promote the sport. The Vivo Pro Kabaddi League provides stylish stadiums, better equipment and a professional atmosphere, showing how far the sport has come since its origins.
The Long Road of Kabaddi
From muddy fields to professional stadiums with animated mascots, many things have changed since the origin of kabaddi. The game has become a global hit, and the AKFI has managed to reinvigorate people’s interest in it. Even young kids enjoy playing it at school.
As the game keeps evolving, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the history of kabaddi. In the meantime, you can check out our article on Indian poker players to learn more about another popular game in India.
Kabaddi History FAQ
Before wrapping up our article on the history of kabaddi, we will answer all your pressing questions. You can learn more about the kabaddi origin, including its variants and its rulesets. We will also cover its recent history, the biggest events and how this exciting game has changed.
Which country is the origin of kabaddi?
While the origin of kabaddi is unclear, there are some possible theories. One theory states that the Aayars in India made it, and it is even referenced in their epics. Another theory states that it appeared in Iran. Regardless, the game is 5000 years old and is most common on the Indian subcontinent.
When you play kabaddi, how many players do you have in a team?
According to the modern rules of kabaddi, the game is played by two teams of seven players. They can have up to five substitutes for a total of 12 players. Depending on the variant, players may be removed from the field if they get touched. One player acts as a raider, while the opponents are defenders.
Are there any kabaddi variants?
Yes, the history of kabaddi is filled with many kabaddi variants. For example, the Gaminee variant has no time limit, but eliminated players cannot return until their entire team is out. Meanwhile, in professional kabaddi, players can return if their team scores a point and there are tiebreakers.
What is Pro Kabaddi League?
As mentioned when discussing the tournament history of the kabaddi game, the Pro Kabaddi League is an initiative to popularise professional kabaddi globally. It does so by organising tournaments for experienced players and encouraging young players to form careers in the sport. Mashal Sports, Disney Star and the AKFI manage the league.
How popular is kabaddi?
During the conclusion of this kabbadi guide, we mentioned that the game has gained global popularity. It is now played in the US, Asia and many European countries, while kabaddi tournaments are a hit in India. Many children have also rediscovered the game, turning it into a popular school pastime.